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What are the laws, and is there crime in Oman? Despite being a safe place to travel, there are some risks. Find out how to stay safe in Oman.
Photo © Getty Images/Dale Johnson
Oman is one of the Middle East's safest countries despite its volatile location, which is often in news headlines around the world.
Oman is a very friendly and safe place to visit, but before you go, here are some important things you should know about local laws, and how to stay safe in Oman.
1. Is Oman dangerous for travelers?
Oman is a wealthy country with a strict religious, moral and legal code. Crime of any type is severely punished, and the deterrent seems to work, and most Omanis are relaxed and polite people. However, some travelers have been petty crime targets, and there have been reports of assaults against women and people camping in isolated locations at night.
Take the usual precautions to protect your valuables and be aware of your surroundings. Women should take care when traveling alone, especially when out at night and should take a taxi rather than walking.
2. Important laws travelers should be aware of in Oman
The Sultanate of Oman is an absolute monarchy, which means the Sultan has the final say. Being an Islamic country, Sharia law has helped found and shape Oman's legal system.
Dress with modesty and respect the local law and culture. This is particularly important during the time of Ramadan and other religious observances.
Drugs
There is zero tolerance to drugs in Oman, and whether it's possession or trafficking, and severe penalties apply including the death penalty. Even having a small amount for personal use can result in at least a year in jail.
Photography
Don't photograph government and military buildings or airports. Always ask locals before photographing them.
Drone laws in Oman
Flying a recreational drone is illegal in Oman, with a minimum penalty of three years in jail. Omani authorities have had to impose this law due to several incidents involving recreational drones flying too close to airport infrastructure and flight paths.
Lese majeste
It's an offence to insult or make offensive remarks about the Omani royal family, the government and its officials.
Homosexuality in Oman
Homosexuality is illegal in Oman and punishable with a stint in jail of up to three years. In worse-case scenarios, the death penalty is applied.
Bad behaviour
Offensive behavior and language in public and on social media are prohibited. Even flipping the bird at someone while driving may get you in trouble. Public displays of affection are a no-no, too.
Can I drink alcohol in Oman?
The legal drinking age in Oman is 21, and it's an offence for anyone to be publicly drunk or consume alcohol in public.
Unmarried couples
In Oman, it's against cultural beliefs for unmarried, heterosexual couples to share a room. However, if your accommodation does not ask, and you do not point out you are unmarried, there should be no issues. It is also an offence for Omani authorities to ask about your marital status.
3. Terrorism in Oman
Terrorist groups (such as Al-Qaeda and Daesh-affiliated groups) operate in the Arabian Peninsula, and have been involved in attacks on several Gulf countries, including Yemen. While the likelihood of a terror attack happening in Oman is lower than other Gulf states, the possibility still exists. Attacks are likely to be indiscriminate and may not necessarily target foreign interests or popular attractions.
Always monitor government travel advisories, news reports, and official warnings.
4. Politics in Oman
The political situation in the Middle East means that Oman sometimes experiences political tension. Oman borders Saudi Arabia and Yemen, countries locked in a violent conflict. The Omani border with Yemen is where numerous government travel advisories state "Do not travel" due to ongoing conflict in the country. Omani authorities won't let you enter Yemen unless you are officially authorized to do so.
Be aware of your surroundings when large-scale gatherings and demonstrations are happening in the country, and try to avoid them. Most protests are peaceful, but when they occur near the UAE border they have turned violent in the past, and protestors have been killed. Due to Oman's non-interventionist attitude to foreign policy, they have been playing a diplomatic role among the Gulf States as war ravages Yemen, which is largely driven by Saudi Arabia. Staying neutral has also ensured stability in the country despite the high-security presence.
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